Tamperproof closures



Feb. 15, 1966 J. D. DUKE 3,235,l15

TAMPERPROOF CLOSURES Filed Sept. 50, 1960 NVENTO?.

JAMES D. DUKE Afforney United States Patent O 3,235,115 a TAMPERPROOFCLOSURES James D. Duke, Richmond, Ind., assiguor to Aluminum Company ofAmerica, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Sept. 30,1960, Ser. No. 59,581 3 Claims. (Cl. 215-42) The invention describedhereinbelow is addressed in general to closure and receptacle orcontainer combinations for providing tamperproof packages, exemplary ofwhich are sealed bottles and similar package& More specifically, theinvention is concerned with providing a threaded closure -incorporatinga cylindrical tamperproof band extension of the cylindrical skirt of theclosure, which is severable therefrom on rotational removal of theclosure from a container, and the tamperproof band subsequently axiallyremoved or withdrawn 'from the container in an otherwise intactcondition.

A risng demand and commercial interest is being elicited for a sealedpackage inco-rporating a tamperproof threaded closure which, followingauthorized opening of the package by mere rotation of the threadedclosure, permits `axial removal of an initially integral but severabletamperproof band element sepai'ated from the closure proper as a resultof the aforesaid rotation thereof. The demand foithis type of closure,and packages incorpor-ating the same, is based on an existing need inthe closure art for a relatively inexpensive tamperproof closure, andpackage incorporating the same, the container element of which iscapable of manufacture using conventional glassmolding equipment andpractices and is readily conditioned for reuse, under circumstancespermitting reuse of containers, by mere "pick-oif"or gravitation-aldislodgment of the tamperproof band element from the container. Therehas also been an expressed desire in the Packaging art for tamperproofclosure-'container combinations of the type herein referred to,regardless of the stated container reuse feature, where retention of atamperproof 'band on its container or receptacle, following authorizedremoval of its threaded closure portion tor access to less than theentire contents of the container, has been found objectionable and beena source of digital injury in subsequent reclosing and reopening of acont-ainer so equipped.

Closure and closure-receptacle or container combina: tions incorporatinga threaded cylindrical skirt and contiguous tamperproof band in axialextension thereof have been previously proposed. However, thetamperproof band elements in such existing closure structures havealways been polygonally shaped, as distinguished from cylindrical,requring complex and expensive manufacturing techniques and handlingOperations in the initial fabrication of such closure blanks or shells,as well as requiring specially developed equipment for their bulkhopperng, conveyng, transferring and subsequent application andafiixation in correctly oriented relationship on containers providedwith complementary polygonallyshaped surfaces.

Closure blanks or shells, closures produced therefrom, and tamperproofsealed packages incorporating the same,

in accordance with' the present invention, `are of relatively simpleConstruction and design in comparison to the aforesaid proposedpolygonally-shaped closures and sealed packages incorporating the same,and because of their exterior cylindrical configuration, can beinitially 'fabrica-ted and subsequently `applied on containers toprovide tamperproof packages by employing existing conventionalequipment without investment at the fabrication and closure-applyinglevels in complex types of fab-ricating and handling equipment dictatedby a 3,235,ll5 Patented Feb. 15, 1966 ICC polygonally-shaped tamperprooftype closure and the problems in orientation introduced therehy.

It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide arelatively inexpensive closure blank or shell of generally cylindricalexteror configuration incorporating means for restraining it againstrotation in respect of a container underlying the closure blank orshell.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closure blank or shellof generally cylindrical exterior configuration incorporating atamperproof band as an integral but circumferentially severable elementthereof confin-ed within `a cylindrical exterior configuration of thesame, the tamperproof band in turn providing means for restraining theclosure blank or shell against unauthorized rotation on an underlyingc-omplementary container.

A further object of the invention is to providea tamperproof closurecharacterized by an exterior surface composed of cylindrcal rollingsurfaces over its axial depth, the closure being further characterizedby providing a preformed tamperproof locking band adjacent its open endprovided with means permitting axial withdrawal of the looking bandfirom a complernentary container to which the closure has been applied.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closurereceptacle orcontainer package which is initially sealed against unauthorzed openingby a one-piece tamperproof closure having cylindrical exterior surfacesthroughout the depth of the closure, the closure being subsequentlyremovable from its -container on rotation against nonrotation ot itstamperproof band to sever thesame 'from the remaining portion of theclosure, and the tamperproof band being thereafter axially withdrawnfrom the container.

Other objects of the invention Will be observed and understood onconsideration of the following description and illustrations of theinvention, in which:

FIG. l represents a fragmentary sectional elevatioual view of oneembodiment of closure and receptacle of the invention illustrating apreformed generally cylindrical closure blank or shell loosely supportedon a complementary receptacle` finish;

FIG. 2 represents a view similar to FIG. 1, except that the closureblank or shell has been transtormed andtsecured against unauthorizedremoval froni its underlying receptacle; and

FIG. 3 represents a transverse cross-sectional view taken on the plane3--3 of FIG. `2.

The closures and closure shells to which the invention is directed aregenerally and preferably characterized as one-piece, cup-shaped articlescomprising a top circular panel and an integral depending cylindricalskirt, the skirt being provided With closure-aflixing formations, suchas threads, over a portion of its axial length, `and an integral butreadily severable extension of the skirt below the threads serving as acylndrical tamperproof band for the closure. i

It is the tamperproof band -feature of the closures of the inventionwhich constitutes the cardinal contribution to the closure art,particularly from the standpoint of its cooperative relationship withthe closures and receptacles with which it periorms a functional part inproviding new and advanced tamperproof packages.

The closures of the invention are preferably initially fabricated ascup-shaped closure shells or blanks, with an unthreaded or unconformeddepending cylindrical skirt and an integral but severable preformedcylindrical tamperproof band in the form of an extension of thecylindrical skirt. The closure blanks or shells thus initiallyfabricated are readily handled in conventional closure equipment, suchas bulk hoppers, transfer conveyors from the bulk -hoppers toclosure-applying devices,` where individual closures are each looselyapplied on a complementary receptacle, and closure-sealing heads, wheresealed closure-receptacle packages are produced, pri- -marily because ofthe fact that the skirt and tamperproof extensions'thereof presentcylind-rical rolling surfaces, and because of the further fact thatabsence 'of polygonal cross-sectional configuration in the closureshells or blanks eliminates all necessity of pr'ecise orientationbetween a closure blank and its com'plernentary receptacle receiving thesame. These features alone permit complete adaptation and use 'ofexisting conventional equipment in regular commercial use in'the closureart without r'esorting to complex equipment and slow-down through theprovsion of special orientation and indexing mechanism required withheretofore disclosed closures incorporating non-cylindrical tamperprooffeatures.

Refe-rring to the closure and receptacle combination r packageillustrated'in 'FIGS. l, 2 and 3, it will be observed that aclosure'blank 20 (FIG. l) is fabricated in the torm of a cup-shap'ed'article having a top circular panel 22 and depending cylindrical skirt24 adapted to be loosely supported on the exterior surface adjacent theentrance ormouth of areceptaele or bottle '10. The bottle -Itl 'isprefe'rably provided'with a conventional thread formation 12 and athread protecting roll or band 16 is usually provided below the threadformation and may extend radially outwardly beyond the maximum exteriorcrest diameter defined by the thread formation '12.

In addition,the exterior surface of the bottle is provi'rled with a`series or plurality of circumferentially equally s'paced lugs orprotuberances 18 between the lowermost thread formation 12 and the upperledge surface forrned by the roll 16, the outer surfaces of the lugs 18being preferably inscribed by a circumferential surface, inwardlydispos'ed in respect of the outer periphe ry of the roll 16, and `aninwardly disposed commonbase circumferential surface 14 of the lugs 18being of slightly greater diameter than, or at least coincident with, acircuniferential surface having a diameter at least equal to the maximumcrest diameter of the thread formation 12. The lower terminal marginaledge of the 'skirt 24 of the closure blank or shell 20 of FIG. 1 ispreferably initially finished With a'n inwardly curled opencrcumferential bead 34, which serves to eliminate what could otherwisepresent an exposed raw-cut edge, and immediately above this bead is acircumferential band forming an integral extension of the skirt 24partially and circumferentially separated therefrorn by at least onediscontinuous slotted area 28. The band 3@ is cylindrical and isotherwise depressed or indented toprovide a series -or plurality ofcircu'mferentially equally spaced radially inwardly directed lobes 32for axial entry and withdrawal between the a-forementioned lugs 1'8 onthe exposed surface of the receptacle or bottle 10.

The above-'described closure blank 20, :as initially fabricated with itspreforned and configurated terminal skirt band 30, provided with aconventional resilient liner or gasket 26 of suitable'materialcompatible with the contents of the receptacle lt), is initially looselyplaced upon the rim surrounding the entrance to the receptacle, asillustrated in FlG. 1. In a subsequent closure-sealing operation, andwith applied top p ressure exerted on the panel 22, the liner 26 iscompressed into sealing contact with the receptacle mouth and a threadformation 36 forned in the skirt 24, as by plastic deformation of thesame, into conformity with the underlying thread for- 'mati'on 12 on thebottle 10 (FIG. 2).

It will' be observed from an inspection of the embodiment of theinvention thus far described, in reference to FIGS. *1, 2 `and 3, thatthe preformed and configurated band '30 of the closure,` with itsinwardly projecting lobes 32 disposed between the Vertical and paralleldisposed lugs "18 on the exposed surface of the bottle 10, provides atanperproof assembly of closure and receptacle on completion of theconplementary thread formation 36 in the skirt 24 (FIG, 2). `lt is alsoto be observed that the c-onfigurated band 30 serves as a tamperproof'band for the closure and receptacle associated therewith, and preventsremoval of the threaded portion of the closure until rotation thereofbreaks through the bridge or bridges in the discontinuouscircumferential slot or slots 28, the tamperproof band 30 beingotherwise restrained against rotation by its 'lobes 32 and cooperatingreceptacle lugs 18.

The upper threadedportion of the closure, on circumferential severaneefrom its tamperproof band 30, is employable as a reclosure, while thetamperproo f band is axially removable 'or withdrawable, without resortto a tool or peripheral'severance of the band 39, by merely picking thesame of the receptacle to thereby condition the receptacle forsubsequentireuse as o'ne element of a similar tamperproof package.

The closure blank or shell 20, -is readily and initially fabricated as adrawn cylindrical cup-shaped article from light gauge metal, such asaluminum andits alloysgwith a gauge thickness within the range .006 to.01 inch found in practice to be satisfactory 'for closures within acom- -mercial container'finish size or diameter range of 18 to70`millimeters of the maximum outsidethread*formation Cylindrical shellsthus drawn in a one-step operation are thereafter completed by a'sequence of Operations performed on their depending ski rts 24 toplastically transform the same to provide'the cylindrically-shapedtamperproof bandportions 30; the curled and 'beaded lower terminal edges34; the indentatons or depressions 32; and thecircumferentially'slotted'areas 28, respectively; all of whichOperations, andsteps incidental thereto in transforming the aforesaidclosure shells 'or blanks 20 being radially directed in reference to thecylindrically generated exterior surfaces of revolution of the dependingskirts '24. It will also be understood that the circum-' ferentialfracturable *zone provided bythe discontinuous' slot or slots :28 can beobtained by circumferential scoring, a circunferential row of perforations, or combinations thereof.

A 30 circumferential spacin-g of the container lugs 18, and' similar'spacing of the depressions 32 and in the tamperproof bands 30, havebeen employed and found Satisfactory with containers having-a threadedfinish of 28 millimeters diameter, and'coupled With the rounded upperedge surfaces of theparallel lugs 18, has nsured axial andcircumferential registry of the closure blanks on their compleinentaryunderlying container finishes, in the practice of the invention, usingconventional gravity placement of the closure blanks on their containersand without resorting to complex indexing and orientng mechanisms. Inlike manner, a 45 circumferential spacing of the container lugs 18, 46'and 76 in the case of an 18 millimeter thread formation, and a 12circumferential spacng in the case 'of a 70 millimeter thread formation,have performed equally satisfactorily with similarly spaced tamperproofband lobes in closures complernentary thereto. Manifestly, the number oflugs and lobes in any particular size of container 'finish will beselected to insure gravitational application of a closure blank ofthe'invention loosely over the 'exterior finish of its complementarycontainer, With the rounded upper surfaces of the lugs 18 insuringplacement of the closure blanks in the absence of positive indexinmechanism. The aforesad circumferential spacing of the lobes in thetamperproof bands'has also been found to impart torsional rigidity totheir respective bands against their distortion and rota'tion thereofduring fracturable removal of the threaded reclosure elements of theclosures.

Final atfixaton of a closure blank of the invention on itscon'plementary containerhas employed a conventional top pressure headand radial thread-rollng tools, the tamper proof bands in no instan cebeing transformed from their initial configurated cylindrical formduring affixation of a closure. It 'will also be observedthat theappearance of a closure-container package of the invention, oncircumferential severance of the tamperproof band from its integral threaded skirt portion of the closure, will be immediately detectabie andthereby provides a guide and guard against acceptance in coinrnerce ofinterier merchandise.

Significant and advantageous in respect of the packages of theinvention, and particularly where the container element is a glassbottle, is the fact that the thread formation and tamperproof band lugformation therebelow, both being of concentric cylindrical generation,and the further fact that the tamperproof lugs are in all nstancesdisposed vertically and parallel to the longitudinal central axis of thecontainer, has permitted :nanufacture of glass containers responding tothe invention in conventional book or hinge-type molds, arcuate openingof the halves of which, to discharge the containers or Ware moldedtherein, is devoid of interference between the molding surfaces and theWare, which if present, would otherwise distort the tamperproof lugconigurations below the thread formations carried by the containers somolded to destroy axial withdrawal of the tamperproof elements of theclosures associated therewitl.

Having described the invention in terms of a specific embodimentthereof, it is to be understood that the selected embodiment Was madefor purposes of illustration only, and not as limiting the scope of theinvention, except as defined in the appended clairns.

What is claimed is:

1. A tamperproof container-closure structure comprising in combination:

(a) a rigid container having an open entrance end neck portion with atleast one spiral thread formation leading axially away from the openentrance end,

(b) a right cylindrical unthreaded annular band portion axallycontiguous with and below the thread formation of a diameter concentricwith and at least equal to the maximum trace diameter of the crest ofthe thread formation,

(c) a series of identically configurated radially outwardly extendinglugs carried by and eqi-spaced about the periphery of the unthreadedannular band portion in generally axial parallel relations-hp to thelongitudinal axis of the neck portion of the rigid container,

(d) the radial outward maximum extension of the lugs lying in acircumferential trace concentric with the unthreaded annular bandportion in radial outward extension therefrom.

(e) a light gauge one-piece readily deformable drawn metallic closureshell of cup-shaped generally right cylindrical contiguration having theclosed end thercof adapted to seat across the open entrance end to thecontainer neck end with the depending skirt axially overlying themaximum crest diameter trace of the thread formation,

(f) a right cylindrical tamperproof band formed integrally concentricand dependingiy coaxially with said depending skirt, stepped outwardlytherefrom, and extending in concentric overlying axial disposition tothe unthreaded annular band portion and radially in interiorcircumferential outward clearance relationship to the outwardlyexterding lugs carried thereby,

g) said tamperproof band being circumferentially separable from theskirt of the closure shell in a transverse weakened fracturableseverance line located in the tamperproof band adjacent its integralconnection to the skirt above the same, and said tamperprooi bandtermnating at its lower edge in an inwardly curled right cylindricalcircumferential reinforcing and raw edge protective bead of internalminimum diameter axially and concentrically slidable over t-hecircumferential trace of the radially outwardly extending lugs on thecontainer neck,

(h) the maximum axial length of the skirt of the closure shell and itsintegral coaxial tamperproof band, on axially slidable application ofthe closure shell into supporting contact across the open entrance endto the container neck, terminating with the inwardly curledcircumierential bead located slightly above the aztial depth of theunthreaded annular band portion of the container neck,

(i) a plurality of identical lobes equi-spaced and equal in number tothe aforesaid radially outwardly extending lugs carried by the containerne ck inwardly depressed out of the outwardly facin g right cylindricaltamperproof band surface in axial confinernent below the transverseweakered fracturable -severance line and above the terminal inwardlycurled circumferential head thereof,

(j) said lobes terminating in inward depression in a right cylindricalcircumferential trace substantially concentric and coincident with thecircumferential trace of the unthreaded annular band portion of thecontainer neck carrying the radially outwardly extending lugs,

(k) said equi-spaced lugs providing uniform right cylindrical arcuatewidth spaces therebetween of greater circumferential arcuate length thanthe circumferential width of each of the identical equispaced lobes withthe lobes aXially and loosely receivable within the spaces between thelugs and capabie of relative lateral oscillatory movement intointerierencc contact with the lugs against complete rotation of theclosure shell on the container neck, and

(l) said skirt portion of the closure shell being adapted to be dcformedinto conformity with the thread -formation on the container neck.

2. A tamperproof container-closure structure comprising in combination:

(a) a rigid container having an open entrance end neck portion with atleast one spiral thread formation of right cylindrical trace leadingaxially away from the open entrance end,

(b) a right cylindrical unthreaded annular band portion axiallycontiguous with and below the thread formation, concentric therewith,and of a diameter at least equal to the maximum trace diameter of thecrest of the thread formation,

(c) a thread-protecting right cylindrical roll portion axiallycontiguous with and below the unthreaded annular band portion,concentric therewith, and located radially outwardly beyond theunthreaded annular band portion in shouldered relationship thereto,

(d) a series of identically configurated radially outwardly extendinglugs carried by and equi-spaced about the periphery of the unthreadedannular band portion in generally axial parallel relationship to thelongitudinal axis of the neck portion,

(e) the radial outward maximum extension of the lugs lying in acircumferential trace concentric with the unthreaded annular bandportion `and radially inwardly stepped from the concentriccircumferential trace of the cylindrical thread-protecting roll portionof the container below said lugs,

(f) a light gauge one-piece readily deformable drawn metallic closureshell of cup-shaped generally right cylindrical confguration having theclosed end thereof adapted to seat across the open entrance end to thecontainer neck end With the depending skirt axially overlying themaximum crest diameter trace of the thread formation,

(g) a right cylindrical tamperproof band formed integrally concentricand dependingly coaxially with said depending skirt, stepped outwardlytherefrom, and extending in concentric overlying axial disposition tothe unthreaded annular band portion and radiaily in interiercircumferential outward clear- U ance rela tionsnip to the outwarcliyextending lrgs carried thereby,

'(h) said tamperproof hand being circum'ferentially sepcontainer neekcarrying the radially outwardly eX- tending lugs,

(l) said equi-spaeed lugs providing uniforrn right cylindrieal arcuateWidth space therehetween of greater eircumferential arcuate length thanthe circumferential Width of each of the identieal eqtIi-spaeed lobe sWith the lobes axaly and loosely receivable within the spaces betweenthe lugs and capable of relative lateral oscillato'y movement intointerference contact With the lugs against complete rotation of theclosure shell on the container neck, and

(m) said skirt portion of the closure shell being adapted to be deformedinto conformity With the thread fo'rrnation on the eontainer neck.

3. The tamperproof eontainer-closure structure in accorcnnce with claim23 in which the light gauge one-piece readiiy deformable closure shellis drawn from aluminum sheet of .001 to .01 inch gauge thickness.

sure shell and its integral coaxial tamperproof band, .15 on axiallyslidable application of the -closure shell into supporting contactacross the open entrance end to the centainer neck, terminating with theinwardiy `curled circumfe'ential 'head located slightly above the'shoulder at the juncture of the unthreaded an nular band andthread-protecting roll portions of the' eontainer neck,

References cited bythe Examiner UNETED STATES PATENTS (j) a plurality ofidentical lobes equi-spaced and equal %1131176 (it/1933 Fabrice 215' 7in number to the aforesaid radially outwardly ex- 2 3 7/ 193178 Sheldonet al 215-42 tending lugs carried by the container neck inw'ardly 25 %iu depressed out of the outwardly facing right cylinrif j g e ?AS- 1:2cal tamperproof band surface in axial confinement o i b a 215* below thetransverse Weakened fracturable severance POREIGN PATENTS line and abovethe terminal inWardly curled circumferential bead thereof, I %0,7638/1958 Switzerland.

(k) said lobes terminzting in inward depression in a right cylindricalcircumferential traee substantially concentric and coincident with thecircumferential tra-ce of the unthreaded annular band portion of theGEORGE O. RALSTON, Primary Exam'ner.

EARLE J. DRUMMOND, FRANKLIN T. GARRETT,

I Examizzers.

1. A TAMPERPROOF CONTAINER-CLOSURE STRUCTURE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION:(A) A RIGID CONTAINER HAVING AN OPEN ENTRANCE END NECK PORTION WITH ATLEAST ONE SPIRAL THREAD FORMATION LEADING AXIALLY AWAY FROM THE OPENENTRANCE END, (B) A RIGHT CYLINDRICAL UNTHREADED ANNULAR BAND PORTIONAXIALLY CONTIGUOUS WITH AND BELOW THE THREAD FORMATION OF A DIAMETERCONCENTRIC WITH AND AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE MAXIMUM TRACE DIAMETER OF THECREST OF THE THREAD FORMATION, (C) A SERIES OF IDENTICALLY CONFIGURATEDRADIALLY OUTWARDLY EXTENDING LUGS CARRIED BY AND EQUI-SPACED ABOUT THEPERIPHERY OF THE UNTHREADED ANNULAR BAND PORTION IN GENERALLY AXIALPARALLEL RELATIONSHIP TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE NECK PORTION OFTHE RIGID CONTAINER, (D) THE RADIAL OUTWARD MAXIMUM EXTENSION OF THELUGS LYING IN A CIRCUMFERENTIAL TRACE CONCENTRIC WITH THE UNTHREADEDANNULAR BAND PORTION IN RADIAL OUTWARD EXTENSION THEREFROM. (E) A LIGHTGAUGE ONE-PIECE READILY DEFORMABLE DRAWN METALLIC CLOSURE SHELL OFCUP-SHAPED GENERALLY RIGHT CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION HAVING THE CLOSEDEND THEREOF ADAPTED TO SEAT ACROSS THE OPEN ENTRANCE END TO THECONTAINER NECK END WITH THE DEPENDING SKIRT AXIALLY OVERLYING THEMAXIMUM CREST DIAMETER TRACE OF THE THREAD FORMATION, (F) A RIGHTCYLINDRICAL TAMPERPROOF BAND FORMED INTEGRALLY CONCENTRIC ANDDEPENDINGLY COAXIALLY WITH SAID DEPENDING SKIRT, STEPPED OUTWARDLYTHEREFROM, AND EXTENDING IN CONCENTRIC OVERLYING AXIAL DISPOSITION TOTHE UNTHREADED ANNULAR BAND PORTION AND RADIALLY IN INTERIORCIRCUMFERENTIAL OUTWARD CLEARANCE RELATIONSHIP TO THE OUTWARDLYEXTENDING LUGS CARRIED THEREBY, (G) SAID TAMPERPROOF BAND BEINGCIRCUMFERENTIALLY SEPARABLE FROM THE SKIRT OF THE CLOSURE SHELL IN ATRANSVERSE WEAKENED FRACTURABLE SEVERANCE LINE LOCATED IN THETAMPERPROOF BAND ADJACENT ITS INTEGRAL CONNECTION TO THE SKIRT ABOVE THESAME AND SAID TAMPERPROOF BAND TERMINATING AT ITS LOWER EDGE IN